Rookie Hazing 2009

by Lizziebeth on Sep 24, 2009 9:09 PM EDT Comment 59 comments

A little disappointing that we only had a few rookies to torture this year, but it was still funny - I hope they never stop doing this! The costumes were not as diverse as last year, but they showed a lot more skin - well, most of them...

Ok all you TCers with crushes on Brooks Conrad, have a seat if you're not already sitting. Seriously. He was the first rookie to emerge from the safety of the building and head for the bus...

He's not one of my crushes, but I gotta give props to the guy for some very lovely abs. Wow. Had to take another shot for you major Brooksy fans without the Coke cup in the way, since it looked like he was in danger of losing the Speedos:

And as Boog already let on during the game Tuesday night, Kenshin Kawakami came out in full Ninja costume, waving his sword around...probably in joy because he had the most fabric coverage. Interpreter Daichi Takasue didn't escape the treatment either...

No need to dig up those baby pictures of Reid Gorecki, got one right here:

And finally, Tommy Hanson and Kris Medlen, the Peanut power twins...united and, uh, Proud:

Meds has quickly become one of my favs, just for being such a good sport and having fun with everything he does. Tommy's playing along quite nicely here, too.

Now for some balance, here's some pics of the 'vets' in normal get-away day clothes:

Manny Acosta, Martin Prado, Yunel Escobar and Jair Jurrjens hurried straight for the first bus (2-hour rain delay, ya know), so this was the best I got of them. Odarp looked so sharp, I wish he had walked a little slower! Notice how these guys don't have suitcases, but just about everyone else does? Hmm. And it looks like Jair and Gonzo go watch shopping together. Omar kept his head down and practically ran, too, so sadly no pic of him.

Chipper Jones and Garrett Anderson:

Peter Moylan and Greg Norton, Derek Lowe and Terry Pendleton:

Kelly Johnson and Ryan Church:

Buddy Carlyle and Javier Vazquez, David Ross and Adam LaRoche:

Boone Logan and Nate McLouth (poor Nate, just trying to get on a bus and getting stalked by a ninja):

Tim Hudson and Brian McCann:

Sighhh, Manny Ribera, I mean Mike Gonzalez, rockin' the three piece suit and Rafael Soriano doin' the blue pinstripes:

But hands down, I think Matt E Diaz wins as the most GQ this time (sorry Peanut Power twins). Leslee, you're one lucky woman! (yes, actually I do think he's really the lucky one, 'cause baseball wives are such AMAZING women, but I had to say it for the picture). Gohohoho, MattE!:

Hope that helps liven up your day with no Braves baseball!

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Great pics
i herd about KK’s nija suit but never saw it
poor rookies

by bravesfan1047 on Sep 24, 2009 9:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

While Matty’s suit is nice, I’ve still got to give it to Gonzo. That is just an awesome suit.

by Bronn on Sep 24, 2009 9:37 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah Gonzo looks friggin' classy.

"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"

by The Keith Lockhart Era on Sep 25, 2009 4:07 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great job!!!

Those poor, poor good sported fellas. Glad you were there to get all these. They may not have been as creative as last years, but they seem alot more humiliating to me!

"Matt Diaz is a baseball player."-Joe Simpson

by 10-4 on Sep 24, 2009 9:38 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

my sentiments exactly. though less creative, the level of brutal humiliation this year is hilarious. i mean, they’re getting away with as much as they can here. +100 to the veterans.

by brndn on Sep 24, 2009 10:27 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Haha, great stuff. I sent the pic of Gorecki to him, so I’m pretty curious to see what he thinks of it. I’m sure he’ll love it, since he tends to go out of his way to do wacky stuff on a general basis.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Sep 24, 2009 9:49 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Too cool…let us know what he says! Here’s another one of him waving at the guys on the other bus. He does seem like a fun guy, and definitely a good sport; I tried to get a shot of him doing the chop during the game but missed. Just wish he wouldn’t keep that wad of chew in his lower lip so much – really downgrades the attractive factor – in any guy. I look forward to seeing (and trying to catch) some wacky stuff from him!

by Lizziebeth on Sep 25, 2009 2:55 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I’m loving Soriano’s pinstripes

by eaheckman10 on Sep 24, 2009 9:58 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I like that too

But in my head, I know that I couldn’t pull that off.

by Bronn on Sep 24, 2009 11:37 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

D Ross

Is it just me or does David Ross look like Jack Parkman from Major League 2?

by gutisking on Sep 24, 2009 10:20 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Drew Rosenhaus?

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 25, 2009 4:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yes. Parkman.

"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"

by The Keith Lockhart Era on Sep 25, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I still hope we keep one of Gonzo/Soriano

Just for their ballin threads

by ATLforlife on Sep 24, 2009 10:44 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Jason Heyward should come out in a superman cape next year.

Frank Wren for GM of the Year.
"Wait, bait and bash." - Jason Heyward's personal philosophy.

by mvhsbball on Sep 24, 2009 10:55 PM EDT via mobile reply actions 1 recs

+1

It's going to take a little bit of a miracle, but why not? ~ Bobby Cox

by Old Braves' Fan on Sep 25, 2009 11:24 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

The vets should all come out wearing Heyward pajamas while Jason is in a baller suit.

by Gage23 on Sep 26, 2009 10:58 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

this made my day

wonderful lizzie, just wonderful

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Sep 24, 2009 11:12 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Yeah great stuff Lizzie

"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"

by The Keith Lockhart Era on Sep 25, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Great pictures. Diaz is a G

Btw, We are only 3.5 out of the WC!!!

MATT DIAZ IS THE F**K*NG MAN.
They made me change my signature...

by nick9314 on Sep 24, 2009 11:45 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I will never look at some of these guys in the same way again :)

We have got some mighty fine looking guys on our team!

I now know Why Brooksy looks so good in uni, his body is in Great shape! :)

Thanks Lizziebeth, for a job Well done, as always!

Be who you are and say what you feel because those who mind don't matter, and those who matter don't mind.

by HEYJUDE on Sep 25, 2009 12:05 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

THANK YOU, Lizzie....

I was hoping you would be there again and get the pics; I felt sure you would.

Matty looks dreamy.
Gonzo cuts quite the dashing figure.
Brooks…wow.

I’ve heard that Chipper is the rookie hazing “chairman”, and has the final word on the costumes. Good job, Chip!

"It breaks your heart. It is designed to break your heart. The game begins in the spring, when everything else begins again, and it blossoms in the summer, filling the afternoons and evenings, and then as soon as the chill rains come, it stops and leaves you to face the fall alone." A. Bartlett Giamatti

by sddbaker on Sep 25, 2009 12:14 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Soriano looks ridiculous lol

by MatM on Sep 25, 2009 1:09 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

if by ridiculous, you mean super awesome, then you are correct

by Doghnut on Sep 25, 2009 6:38 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

+1

"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"

by The Keith Lockhart Era on Sep 25, 2009 4:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I'm with you.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 25, 2009 5:08 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I mean if I wore that suit it would look ridiculous but Soriano just looks like Scarface.

by KC Ryan on Sep 26, 2009 4:18 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Jurrjens a priest?

take a look at the collar area.

Mat Gamel is way too cool for double consonants.

by VivaLosBravos on Sep 25, 2009 8:52 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

those are headphiones

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Sep 25, 2009 9:22 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You didn’t know that?

by sddbaker on Sep 25, 2009 10:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Some Braves pitchers have me praying constantly

JJ’s not one of them.

Mat Gamel is way too cool for double consonants.

by VivaLosBravos on Sep 25, 2009 1:10 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Thanks!

I’d seen photos of other teams’ rookies, but none of the Braves. Just heard about them on the game broadcast. Fantastic shots as usual and thanks for all the narration.

It's going to take a little bit of a miracle, but why not? ~ Bobby Cox

by Old Braves' Fan on Sep 25, 2009 11:25 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Lizziebeth – awesome doesn’t even begin to describe how great this post is. These photos (with captions) absolutely made my week.

I’m sitting here with the biggest grin on my face and admiring this rather unique look we never get to see of all the (cough) assets the team has at their disposal.

Thank You for taking the time to capture these for us to see. When you live far away from the Braves, and can’t get to them – things like this are priceless.

You deserve some kind of special TC Contributor Award for all the goodies you bring us.

by NCChopper on Sep 25, 2009 11:35 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I gotta go with Gonzo.

The 3 piece is frikkin stylish. You could see your reflection in Soriano’s suit.

by FineHamAbounds on Sep 25, 2009 12:56 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

If there are two better dressed teammates in any bullpen, I'd be shocked.

"...Braves tie! ...Braves tie! ...Braves tie!"

by The Keith Lockhart Era on Sep 25, 2009 4:09 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

You’re most welcome everyone! It’s a lot of fun for me, and I feel good knowing you’re enjoying it, too. I hope the guys don’t mind too much – we just love ‘em, that’s all.
But Pujols, I hate how goofy I sound…ugh.

by Lizziebeth on Sep 25, 2009 3:08 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

EWWW.

I know that they are hazing the rookies but still at leats have them wear a pair of pants

by southman on Sep 25, 2009 4:15 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Stuff like this makes me glad we don’t have guys built like Prince Fielder on the team….

"My God! Good news fans, the Braves are showing signs of life for the first time in weeks. As a matter of fact, they appear to be beating the crap out of each other."

by bravos1984 on Sep 25, 2009 4:24 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Get it Raf!

snazzy

(self-appointed President of Yunel's Cartel~~~)
"The future is no place to place your better days." - Dave Matthews ~ RIP Roi
Chief! Do your anti-rain dance!!! Now, damn it! Now!!!

by Chief Noc-A-Homa on Sep 25, 2009 6:10 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

One of the funniest posts of the year

"When life gives you lemons, just say 'F*ck the lemons,' and bail."

by Bravely going forward on Sep 25, 2009 6:54 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Am I the only one...

Who thinks Javier Vasquez looks like Obama in his picture?

by scottyboy10 on Sep 25, 2009 8:14 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

yes

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Sep 25, 2009 8:31 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

OBAAAMAAAA

Yeah, kinda looks like him. Just a little.

MATT DIAZ IS THE F**K*NG MAN.
They made me change my signature...

by nick9314 on Sep 26, 2009 12:13 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

In that he's got dark skin and not much hair?

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 26, 2009 7:45 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

That is an insult....

Javy is waaaaaaaaayyyyyyyyy hotter than Obama.

by sddbaker on Sep 28, 2009 11:43 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

How does this only have 16 recs?

C’mon, this is triple digit rec-age material. Lets get that rec count up.

MATT DIAZ IS THE F**K*NG MAN.
They made me change my signature...

by nick9314 on Sep 26, 2009 12:12 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

argh

I curse my network filtering!!! Photobucket is blocked!

May as well just turn off the internet and go back to interoffice memos.

GDMFBS!

Heaven is a baseball field.

by rbratt3 on Sep 26, 2009 2:53 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Calm down Beavis!

by KC Ryan on Sep 26, 2009 4:21 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Late rec!

by l0stnumber on Sep 27, 2009 1:31 AM EDT reply actions 0 recs

Wow. Nice pix

I have to echo NCChopper: When you’re far away from the Braves, things like this are priceless.

by rawleigh on Sep 27, 2009 3:43 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

I wish I had that pic when I did my poll

Cause he’s smokin hot in here

Don't hate the game, hate the nerds!

by thenerdhater on Sep 28, 2009 3:32 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

suits?

is there a rule that they have to have some type of formal wear? When did we become the yankees?

by traphicg on Sep 29, 2009 12:40 PM EDT reply actions 0 recs

We're a professional franchise.

I bet it’s hard to find a single one that doesn’t require it when traveling.

Remember when the Panthers had a good offensive line? Yeah, me too.
--Darin Gantt

by MichaelProcton on Sep 29, 2009 1:54 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Yep. Even most AAA teams require guys to drive nice on travel days.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Sep 29, 2009 2:57 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

but on non travel days they can drive however they want

i kid… i kid

Heyward,Hanson,and Shaffer r ready now!! Why do you think they havent signed the "right handed bat"?

by fatazfoot on Jan 7, 2009 8:59 PM EST

by Swo12bv on Sep 30, 2009 12:59 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

Wow. Pretty awesome mistake there. I’m actually kind of proud of myself. That’s way off.

"At least he didn’t nail the bitchy fat girl from Hell's Kitchen."
www.dropoutproductions.com

by cbwilk on Sep 30, 2009 1:26 AM EDT up reply actions 0 recs

I see nothing wrong with it

McCann is probably the Jennifer Aniston in Office Space in this situation. He’s doing the bare minimum, whereas Gonzo and Soriano are rocking their 36 pieces of flair.

Regardless, I think it’s awesome that all the players come out so GQ. Reflects well on how the team is regarded.

No wonder nobody likes you, Tuttle... everything's a (Pujols) damn debate.

by royhobbs on Sep 30, 2009 11:53 PM EDT up reply actions 0 recs